MALHM Statement on Legislation to Remove the State Historic Preservation Office from the Minnesota Historical Society

The Minnesota Alliance of Local History Museums (MALHM) is aware of legislation introduced on March 13 in the Minnesota House of Representatives and Senate to move the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) from the Minnesota Historical Society to the Department of Administration. This move was also included in Governor Dayton’s supplemental budget proposal on March 17. Many of our constituents have raised concern over this action, as has the MALHM Board of Directors.

MALHM has taken action to speak out against this proposed legislation and have sent letters to Governor Dayton, Representative Ecklund, and Senator Bakk requesting an explanation for this legislation. For many in local history throughout Minnesota, the impacts of this legislation could be tremendous. The Heritage Preservation Department, which is comprised of SHPO, Field Services, and Grants, is local history’s main link to the Minnesota Historical Society. By coordinating the efforts of these three units under one department, the local history community can expect an efficient and cooperative operation. We admit that over the years the road has been bumpy in our relationship but we have found ways to work together to fix the potholes and cracked cement on the highway of local history. By working towards a common goal of preserving and sharing the stories of Minnesota’s story, the more than 500 local history organizations and the Heritage Preservation Department have enjoyed many decades of a strong and cordial relationship.

To this end, MALHM is asking our members, our constituents, and our fellow Minnesota History Coalition members to contact Governor Dayton and their local legislators to oppose Senate File 2077 and House File 2366. Let them know how SHPO serves the local history community and by removing it from within the Heritage Preservation Department would be at the detriment of local history in Minnesota. Any correspondence that you receive back, please forward a copy to MALHM Coordinator Marci Matson (marci@minnesotahistorymuseums.org) and MALHM President Dustin Heckman (director@goodhistory.org).

By working together, we can show them how local history matters in Minnesota!